Boeing's Starliner Astronaut Mission Set for June 5, 2024

Starliner Crew to Land on Dry Land for First Time

Liftoff Scheduled for 6:52 ET from Cape Canaveral

Boeing is set to launch its first-ever Starliner astronaut mission on June 5, 2024, at 6:52 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will be aboard the Starliner capsule, which will dock with the International Space Station approximately 24 hours after liftoff. This mission marks a significant milestone for Boeing and NASA, as it is the first time the Starliner spacecraft will carry astronauts into space.

One notable aspect of this mission is that the Starliner crew will land on solid ground rather than splash down in the ocean. This is a departure from previous astronaut missions, which have typically used water landings. According to Boeing, the land landing will provide a safer and more comfortable return for the astronauts.

The Starliner launch campaign will begin 45 days before liftoff, with United Launch Alliance stacking an Atlas V rocket at Space Launch Complex 41. The launch window for the mission extends through June 15, with backup launch dates scheduled in case of weather or technical issues.

This mission is a crucial step in Boeing's efforts to certify the Starliner spacecraft for regular crew transportation to and from the International Space Station. If successful, the Starliner will join SpaceX's Crew Dragon as one of two commercial spacecraft capable of carrying NASA astronauts to and from space.